Annoying Gimmicks in Movies or TV

[wwkirk]

The point of this thread is to indicate various gimmicks that are often used (or overused) in movies or TV, that are worthy of complaining about.

To start off:

Frequently, at a pivotal point in a story, a key character needs urgently to get in touch with another by phone. Indeed, if that call gets through, a life, or even countless lives, will be saved. But don't you know it, the person on the receiving end has their phone laying on a table some distance away. Usually, on vibrate to boot. It's so annoying. The characters in question are in the middle of a severe emergency, and yet they don't keep their phone on their person! Especially since they know they won't be able to hear it! It's almost funny at this point, but not really, because I don't think writers or directors are tired of it yet.

 

[wwkirk]

Another somewhat annoying gimmick, that is really kinda humorous at this point, is to have one or more characters walk into a spooky, dangerous looking building or place, which to the audience, will obviously spell doom for them.

This gimmick has been used so much that sometimes the characters themselves mention it!

 

[The shadow]

Or knowing a mad killer is near enter a room yelling "hello any one here?"

 

[pigfarmer]

Same church, different pew:

Watched a character get shot and for good guys it's always in the shoulder which is always a minor wound in need of a sling at most. Never needs months of reconstructive surgery and therapy. Back to fist fights before the next commercial.

In this case she woke up in a hospital in a sunny room wearing no oxygen mask, no IV and makeup and hair perfectly one. Hell, it makes me want to get shot in the shoulder - looked like a vacation.